In a public service announcement, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is advising the public to be on the lookout for counterfeit notes.

This comes after the Financial Crime and Analysis Unit of the Royal Montserrat Police Service has confirmed that a sum of counterfeit EC notes has been confiscated in Montserrat.

As a result, “The ECCB wishes to remind the public that counterfeit notes have no value, and that it is a criminal offence to use or be in possession of counterfeit notes.”

Further, “The ECCB urges the public to note the security features of genuine EC notes which include:

A security thread with text reading “ECCB” which incorporated into the paper. The thread can be seen clearly through the paper.

A serial number printed vertically on the left hand side and horizontally on the right hand side of the notes. No two notes of the same denomination bear the same serial number.

On the front left hand side, a watermark of Queen Elizabeth II can be seen when the note is held up to light. A watermark highlight, which reads “ECCB” can also be seen clearly when the note is held up to light.

An image of several fishes, printed with special ink, which glows is at the centre of the back of the note.

Genuine bank notes are printed on special paper which gives them a unique feel.”

Further information suggests that the notes of specific interest would be the higher denominations of $100.00 and $50.00, but of course not ignoring the others.

The authorities are requesting, on account of the information provided: “Persons who think they may be in possession of EC counterfeit notes, should report the matter to the Royal Montserrat Police Service. Telephone Numbers: 664-491-2555/6 and 999.